While Denmark is a Scandinavian country, it is also part of mainland Europe. This has resulted in some strange consequences – socially and politically it is like any other Scandinavian country, but economically it resembles its southern neighbours with similar prices for clothes, alcohol and other goods.

Denmark is where the Vikings originated. Between the 9th and 11th centuries they invaded many countries along the European coastline along with Ireland and the British Isles. Settling as farmers and fishermen, their reign and the ‘Viking Age’ finally ended due to a combination of the introduction of Christianity into Scandinavian Europe and the rise of other European powers.

The Danes’ traditional industries of fishing and shipbuilding aren’t as important to the economy as they used to be, although both are still strongly evident. Today the leading industries include food products, machinery and electronic and transport equipment.